Vehicle spring



March 22, 1938. DRQLET 2,112,148

VEHICLE SPR ING Filed May 21, 1936 ALPHO/VSE mom-r.

y Attornev Patented Mar. 22, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFKQE Application May 21,

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to improvements in vehicle spring construction.

An object of the invention is the provision of a spring adapted for use as an auxiliary spring element in conjunction with conventional vehicle suspension springs. I v

A further object of the invention is the provision of a vehicle spring embodying an auxiliary spring which is adapted to reinforce the main suspension spring of a vehicle when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an. auxiliary spring mounted in association with a main vehicle suspension spring in such manner as to present a minimum of friction with a maximum of resiliency.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a vehicle spring which is relatively simple in construction and efiicient for the purpose intended.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description progrosses.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which like reference characters are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view showing a rear spring construction in assembly,

Figure 2 is a similar view showing the auxiliary spring in separated arrangement,

Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse section taken on the line 3--3 of Figure 1, and

Figure 4 is an enlarged transverse section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, wherein is illustrated an embodiment of an auxiliary spring structure, particularly adaptable for the rear suspension springs of a vehicle, the spring structure is of generally semi-elliptical form and embodies a pair of interlocking centre support sections and 36. The section 35 embodies an elongated portion 31 disposed to assume a horizontal position in assembly, formed with a downwardly curved lip 38 at the outer end. At the inner portion, the section 35 is formed with an upturned arm 39, v-shaped at the top, as indicated at 40. The complementary centre section 36 is also formed with a horizontal elongated portion 4| having a downwardly curved lip 42 at the outer end and having an upturned arm 43 at the inner end. When assembled, the upper extremity of the arm 43 fits into the notch formed by the V member 40, as shown at Figure 1.

To the horizontal portions 31 and 4| of each 1936, Serial No. 81,060

complementary centre section are connected a pair of identical longitudinally extending leaf sections 45 and 46 each having a straight inner portion 41 adapted to be fitted .on and fastened to the horizontal portions of the centre bracket 5 section by means of bolts 48. The outer portions of the sections 45 and 46 are bent to form a reverse curve and to project at an upward angle towards the ends of the rear main suspension spring C of the vehicle. At the outer extremity of each leaf section 4-6 is formed a downwardly curved lip 49 engaging a bolt 5|) on a U-shaped clip 5|. The upper leaf-section 45 extends through the clip and is provided at the end with an ofiset flat contact piece 52 adapted to contact with the underside of the main spring C adjacent the ends and provided with a depressed reservoir 30 adapted to contain a lubricant 3|.

Adjacent the centre of the spring assembly are provided a pair of elongated U-shaped clips '54 provided with transverse bolts 55 which may be vertically adjusted in the clips by mounting in difierent spaced holes therein to properly support the inner portions of the auxiliary spring sections, as illustrated at Figure 1. These clips 25 may be adjusted by means of adjusting screws 56 provided at the top thereof.

When thus assembled, the auxiliary spring is disposed to provide a centre bearing, in the a present instance against the underside of the main spring 0 at the centre, and has the end pieces 52 contacting with the end portions of the main suspension spring which is of the semi-elliptic leaf type.

This auxiliary spring construction is particularly adapted for reinforcing the main suspension spring of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated with a relatively heavy load. Thus, the outer contacting ends of the auxiliary spring may make a light contact with the main spring when the latter is in light load supporting position and functions to reinforce the main spring when the latter is depressed under an increased load of predetermined wei-ght, thus obviating undue stiffness of the suspension when the vehicle is travelling light.

Furthermore, the provision for lubricating the contacting ends of the auxiliary spring provides a minimum of friction between this spring and the main spring and at the same time affords the necessary resiliency.

By the provision of a number of bolt holes at the inner straight end portions of the auxiliary spring sections, the length of the auxiliary spring may be varied to conform to variable length of main springs.

It is to be understood that the forms of my in vention herein shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes as to the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:-

As a re-enforcing attachment for sagging vehicle suspension springs, a pair of cantilever auxiliary springs adapted to be mounted below the main vehicle spring, interlocking levers attached to the inner ends of the auxiliary springs adapted yokes disposed adjacent the ends of the auxiliary 10 springs in order to regulate, in combination with the center yokes, the tension imparted by the auxiliary springs to the main spring ends for reenforcing purposes.

- ALPHONSE DROLET. 

